6 things to do before you ask for a raise

November 14, 2018

If you're hoping at get a raise this year, you're probably going to have to ask for one.

A survey of 1,138 people conducted by SoFi in August found that more than half wanted a raise, but only 33 percent were planning on explicitly asking for one. Confidently asking for more money at work is not natural for most people, Libby Leffler, vice president of membership at SoFi, tells CNBC Make It.

But that hesitation could keep you from getting ahead. "You don't get what you don't ask for," Leffler says. "The worst thing that person could do is say 'no.'"

Here are six things you should do before you sit down to talk money with your manager:

1. Know your goal and your audience

Before you even begin preparing to ask for a raise, make sure that you have a clear idea of what you are hoping to achieve. Be specific – how significant is the raise you're planning to ask for? What is the minimum outcome that will make the conversation worth it? What is important to you in your job and career?

If you're hoping at get a raise this year, you're probably going to have to ask for one.

A survey of 1,138 people conducted by SoFi in August found that more than half wanted a raise, but only 33 percent were planning on explicitly asking for one. Confidently asking for more money at work is not natural for most people, Libby Leffler, vice president of membership at SoFi, tells CNBC Make It.

But that hesitation could keep you from getting ahead. "You don't get what you don't ask for," Leffler says. "The worst thing that person could do is say 'no.'"

Here are six things you should do before you sit down to talk money with your manager:

1. Know your goal and your audience

Before you even begin preparing to ask for a raise, make sure that you have a clear idea of what you are hoping to achieve. Be specific – how significant is the raise you're planning to ask for? What is the minimum outcome that will make the conversation worth it? What is important to you in your job and career?

It's also important to consider the point of view of the person across the table and use it to tailor your proposal. You want to convey to your manager that you're an attentive employee that works hard and wants to do a good job, not that you're only interested in taking home more money.

2. Do the research

"It's not enough to walk into that room," Leffler said. There's a lot of preparation that should occur before you even set the meeting with your manager.

Become an expert on how your job is compensated at other companies in your industry and market, as well as how it's compensated in other industries and markets. Assess where you are on the scale, and pinpoint where you'd like to be. Make sure that you have data to back up any and all claims you make.

In addition, don't forget to look beyond dollars and cents for other things that may be easier to negotiate than higher pay.

"It's important to remember when you're looking at compensation that you're looking at all things," Leffler says. Benefits, vacation time, flexible work time and sick time is all part of your total compensation package, and can all be negotiated as part of a raise.

3. Gather your evidence

Be prepared to discuss the work you've done that you think merits increased compensation.

"You need to make a strong case for why you're deserving of a raise," Leffler says. "Preparing is such an important part of this step and is often overlooked."

This includes bringing in tangible evidence that you have done a great job and brought success to your company or team. Keep a record of your achievements, and copies of any congratulatory emails or notes that colleagues, clients or your manager has sent to you about your good work.